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Written and directed by Dan Bush, The Dark Red is ranked the #1 movie at FrightFest Film Festival by Entertainment Focus.

The film is a sophisticated, supernatural revenge thriller that will appeal to fans of Unsane and The Uninvited.

The film stars April Billingsley (The Walking Dead, Last Vegas), Kelsey Scott (How to Get Away with Murder), and Rhoda Griffis (Parental Guidance, The Blind Side)

Here is the film’s official synopsis:
A young woman is committed to a psychiatric hospital claiming that her newborn has been abducted by a secret society called the Dark Red — an ancient, underground cult that harvests and controls an incredibly rare blood type that gives one the power to hear and guide another person’s thoughts. She says that she is special: that she carries a pure and powerful strain of the blood like nothing seen before, and that the society sees her and her child as its next evolution or perhaps its greatest threat, should she turn against them.

Is the Dark Red entirely a figment of her imagination a complex coping mechanism to overcome a terrible personal tragedy or is there some truth behind her story?

Critic Anton Bitel, writing at SciFi Now, said, “Pitched somewhere between television’s The Inbetweeners and David Bruckner’s The Ritual, this is an epic weekender comedy of boys hoping to become men, and men hoping forever to stay boys.”Pip Ellwood-Hughes of Entertainment Focus said KILLER WEEKEND is “packed with laugh-out-loud moments, plenty of surprises and a stellar ensemble.” “Part Tucker and Dale Vs Evil, part Severance, KILLER WEEKEND is really entertaining and deserves to sit alongside the British horror comedies,”said Nerdly’s Alain Elliott.

Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
A groom-to-be and his buddies go on a paintball battle that turns horribly, and hilariously, wrong in KILLER WEEKEND. The zombie horror comedy arrives on digital platforms and on DVD February 18, 2020.

When Sam (Sean Verey, The Hot Potato, EastEnders) discovers that his stag weekend not only is a mock zombie survival experience, but that his disapproving father-in-law-to-be has also been invited, he couldn’t be more annoyed. But when the bachelor party arrives to find the “zombies” are in fact a bunch of psychotic ex-soldiers, their fantasy weekend quickly starts to look like a nightmare.

After a series of unfortunate mishaps finds the group trapped in a disused nuclear bunker besieged by the bloodthirsty troops, Sam must ask himself: Is it all still just a game, or is it actually game over?

Red Arrow Studios company has announced the acquisition of worldwide rights to filmmaker Emily Ting’s second directorial feature Go Back to China, which made its world premiere in competition at SXSW Film Festival earlier this year.

The film will make a limited theatrical bow in select cities March 6, 2020 and simultaneous with a wide cross-platform cable/satellite/telco and internet VOD release on the same day.

“I had an amazing time partnering up with Gravitas on my first film Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong, and I am ecstatic to be working with them again to bring this extremely personal film to audiences worldwide,” says Filmmaker Emily Ting.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Emily again on her charming and hilarious fish out of water comedy, and look forward to presenting it to audiences worldwide,” said Tony Piantedosi, Vice President of Acquisitions at Gravitas Ventures.

The distribution deal for Go Back to China was negotiated by Tony Piantedosi, Vice President of Acquisitions at Gravitas, and Eric Sloss of Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.

Here’s the film’s synopsis:

The semi-autobiographical film follows Sasha Li, a spoiled rich girl (played by YouTube star Anna Akana) who after blowing through most of her trust fund, is forced by her father to go back to China and work for the family toy business. What begins simply as a way to regain financial support soon develops into a life altering journey of self discovery, as she learns the business from the ground up and reconnects with her estranged family in the process. Hilarious and heartfelt, the film offers an honest look at the human cost of things that are made in China.

Written and directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis, the film was an official selection at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival where it won Best Actress in a U.S. Narrative Feature Film

Starring Haley Bennett, Sautin Stowell, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche and Denis O’Hare, the film is set for release on March 6, 2020 in select theaters and on demand.

Here’s more about the film:

On the surface, Hunter (Haley Bennett) appears to have it all. A newly pregnant housewife, she seems content to spend her time tending to an immaculate home and doting on her Ken-doll husband, Richie (Austin Stowell). However, as the pressure to meet her controlling in-laws and husband’s rigid expectations mounts, cracks begin to appear in her carefully created facade. Hunter develops a dangerous habit, and a dark secret from her past seeps out in the form of a disorder called pica – a condition that has her compulsively swallowing inedible, and oftentimes life-threatening, objects. A provocative and squirm-inducing psychological thriller, SWALLOW follows one woman’s unraveling as she struggles to reclaim independence in the face of an oppressive system by whatever means possible.

Align and Goldcrest Features announced today that the as currently untitled (f.k.a An Unquiet Life) feature starring Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), and Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Misbehaviour), will begin filming on November 14th.

The story of the world’s most beloved children’s author, Roald Dahl (Bonneville) and his film star wife, Patricia Neal (Hawes) will be directed by John Hay (Lost Christmas, There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble). Hay also wrote the film alongside David Logan. The picture is being produced by Donall McCusker (The Hurt Locker), Adrian Politowski (The Artist), Martin Metz (Mandy) and Nick Quested (Danger Close ).

The film is an Align/Goldcrest presentation, produced by Atticus Films and financed by Align, LipSync Productions LLP and Goldcrest Features Inc. Principal photography commences on November 14th in Surrey, England.

Goldcrest represents the worldwide rights, and has already closed deals with Icon Film Distribution PTY LTD in Australia and New Zealand, Empire International in the Middle East, Paradiso Filmed Entertainment in Benelux, Red Apollo Group in China, and MVP Entertainment in India.

In 1962 Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal retreated to the English countryside to bring up their joyful and expanding young family. The unlikely pairing of an Academy Award-winning actress and a burgeoning children’s author, Dahl and Neal put their relationship to the test, revealing a love more painful than anything Roald Dahl ever wrote about in his books. However, for this remarkable pair, redemption and strength sees them changed forever.

“Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal seemingly had it all until an unimaginable event threatened to tear their family apart. I am so pleased we have attracted two award-winning talents in Hugh and Keeley to play these iconic roles,” Director John Hay said.

“I can’t wait to start work on this film,” said Keeley Hawes. “The story of Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl is extraordinary, and I’m so excited to be part of it and so looking forward to working with the brilliant Hugh Bonneville and the hugely talented John Hay who has provided us with such a beautiful script.”

Donall McCusker, Producer, adds, “Award winning writers John Hay and Dave Logan have written a warm, funny and powerful script that we know is going to resonate with audiences throughout the world”.

Adrian Politowski, CEO of Align notes, “With a love as electric as Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal’s it’s no surprise a project as special as this one has attracted the likes of Hugh Bonneville and Keeley Hawes.”

“Dear Zoe” is a new independent feature film adapted from the award-winning novel by Pittsburgh author Philip Beard. The adapted screenplay was written by Pittsburgh natives Marc Lhormer and Melissa Martin, and directed by Gren Wells (The Road Within).

“Dear Zoe” stars Sadie Sink as Tess (Stranger Things). Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage) plays her father Nick, with newcomer Kweku Collins as Tess’ love interest. Justin Bartha (The Hangover, National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), and Vivien Blair (Bird Box, We Can Be Heroes) round out the principal cast. This film for all ages is a powerful study of grief and resilience told from the point of view of a 16-year-old girl: a coming-of-age dramedy in which teenage Tess enlists her biological father, a lovable slacker from the wrong side of the tracks, and the charming juvenile delinquent next door to help her come to grips with the death of her little sister. Principal photography will take place in and around Pittsburgh, PA.

Leading the production is Zin Haze Productions, led by Producers Brenda and Marc Lhormer (Bottle Shock) along with independent Producers Peter Phok (Most Beautiful Island, In A Valley of Violence) and Christopher H. Warner (Wind River, Five Feet Apart), along with Emmy award-winning Producer Lizzie Friedman of Priority Pictures (Momentum Generation, The Land). Resonate Entertainment’s Brent Emery (The Stanford Prison Experiment, Carrie Pilby) is also Producing, while Susan Cartsonis (What Women Want, The Duff), and Suzanne Farwell (It’s Complicated, The Intern) are Executive Producing.

“Marc and I are thrilled to bring this powerful, healing and entertaining story to the screen with such a gifted cast and director,” said producer Brenda Lhormer. “This is a dream project that is finally coming true. It’s been a joy to adapt this Pittsburgh-based story in such an authentic way here in this magical city. We look forward to sharing Dear Zoe with audiences all around the world.”

Gren Wells is represented by Paradigm and Mainstay Entertainment; Sadie Sink is represented by Paradigm and Mara Entertainment; Theo Rossi is represented by Paradigm and Management 360; Kweku Collins is represented by Paradigm and No Comply Management; Vivien Blair is represented by Paradigm and Marnie Cooper Management; Justin Bartha is represented by CAA and MGMT; and Jessica Capshaw is represented by CAA. Christopher H. Warner is represented by UTA.

Communicant have just released their new single, the ambient indie rocker “Marie” listen Here. The new track follows strong early reviews for their first single, the trippy, electro-pop “Spotlight,” listen Here. Communicant are currently back in the studio working on their self-titled debut album which reveals the multi-instrumental, multi-tasking talents of Dylan Gardner, leader and brainchild of Communicant. The group–who is rounded out by Mark Gardner (drums), David Von Bader (guitars) and Anna Carmela (bass)–teamed with Ben Goldwasser from MGMT for co-production duties on their forthcoming album, due out Spring 2020. As a result, their dreamy, new wave sound has grown increasingly more modern on the intimate and confessional, R&B-leaning songs like “Better Than Me” and “Exclusivity.”

One of the most exciting new bands out of L.A. right now, ​ Communicant’s dynamic ranges from blissful, summer-y anthems for driving fast and leaning your hand out of the window, to introspective, compositions for sitting on your bedroom floor in the dark with the headphones on. With cleverly layered vocals, dreamy guitar and glistening synths at the forefront, Communicant could easily be the lovechild of ​Frank Ocean​ and ​Tame Impala​. The lyrics take on themes of impulsiveness, angst, and life changes through the lens of being the radioactive age of 22. With thoughtful melodies, substantial hooks and dreampop elements, Communicant is the next band in between your headphones.

Following an acclaimed run on the independent film festival circuit, 501 Pictures and Public Displays of Affection, in a partnership with Epic Pictures and Dread, has announced the US release of D.C. Hamilton’s Hitchcockian romance The Fare.

The sophomore feature from Hamilton stars Gino Anthony Pesi (“Shades of Blue”) as a weary cab driver and Brinna Kelly as his enigmatic passenger, who charms him as her ride begins over and over and over again. Screenwriter and star Kelly reteams with Hamilton following their work on his directorial debut The Midnight Man. Pesi, Hamilton and Kelly produced alongside Kristin Starns.

An homage to “The Twilight Zone”, The Fare has screened internationally and taken home numerous awards including the Special Mention Jury Award at Fantasporto, Best Dark Fantasy/Supernatural Film at the Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival, and the Director’s Prize for Overall Concept and Execution at FilmQuest.

The Fare will be available nationwide November 19th on Blu-ray and Digital HD, including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Vudu and more.

Ahead of the Blu-ray and VOD release, Epic Pictures will premiere The Fare for LA audiences on the big screen at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on November 12th.

Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
When a charming woman named Penny climbs into his taxi, Harris finds himself entranced. That is, right up until she disappears from the back seat without a trace. As he desperately tries to make sense of what happened, he resets his meter and is instantly brought back to the moment she first climbed into his cab. He and Penny find themselves trapped in an endlessly looping ride that changes their lives forever.

Queensbury Pictures, the year-old Chicago- and London-based production company today announced the start of shooting in Chicago on BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION, a sci-fi horror film directed by Jacob Gentry.

BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION, a technological thriller inspired by actual broadcast interruptions that occurred in the Windy City in the late 1980s, and remain unsolved to this day. The film an unsettling journey into our collective technological nightmares, confronting our deepest, darkest fears of both man and machine.

Shum has been cast in the lead role as James. While logging tapes of decades-old TV broadcasts,video archivist James (Harry Shum Jr.) comes across a surreal and disturbing clip of what appears to be an imprisoned android. James believes it’s the product of a mysterious broadcast signal hacking, and his discovery takes a sinister turn when he tracks down similar broadcast intrusions that send him on an obsessive mission. Now James must confront two very real possibilities: that the videos may be clues to a crime beyond all comprehension; and that whoever was behind them may be very aware that James is coming uncomfortably close to the truth.Continue reading →

Hereditary’s breakout star Alex Wolff is already moving behind the camera with “The Cat and the Moon”, a drama set in New York which he wrote and directed. The film’s first trailer was released last week (see below).

Though Wolff has done a few other short films previously, Moon is the 21-year old’s feature directorial debut. He’s also appeared in Patriots Day (2016) My Friend Dahmer (2017), My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016), and the blockbuster hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017).

But it was his performance as Peter Graham in the Ari Aster-directed psychological horror Hereditary (2018) that gains plenty of attention as a serious actor. That film, which starred Toni Collette, was a surprise hit both critically and commercially, earning over $79 million and becoming A24’s highest-grossing film globally.

Also in “The Cat and the Moon” are Mike Epps, Skyler Gisondo, Stefania LaVie Owen, Giullian Yao Gioiello, and Tommy Nelson. The film is set for release in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 25.

Here’s the film’s official synopsis:

While his mother seeks treatment in rehab, teenager Nick (Alex Wolff) comes to New York to stay with a musician friend of his father’s (Mike Epps) and to meet people who can show him what the city has to offer. Nick’s time away from home causes his buried pain and vulnerabilities to bubble to the surface and forces him to deal with them.